Famelab®

FameLab is an international competition designed to engage and entertain by challenging young scientists to communicate their science to a public audience in under 3 minutes. Talks are fun and engaging, making science relevant to everyone, without using jargon or formal presentations. Talks are judged on content, clarity and charisma.

Entrants must be 21 to 35 years of age and currently registered, studying or working in science, technology, engineering or mathematics in South Africa.

Multiple heats take place across the country, hosted by various institutions. Any institutions wishing to host a heat can complete the Expression of Interest (bit.ly/3KcXbc9). 

• Enhance your presentation skills through competition and training by some of the world’s best science communicators.
• Network with scientists from diverse disciplines.
• Be part of the growing community of passionate scientists, from around the world. Get noticed – put your science on a national and international platform.

• National winner will receive a R5 000.00 cash prize and the chance to represent South African in the FameLab International finals.
• National runners-up will win R2 500.00 cash prize each.
• Semi-finalists will receive science communication masterclass training delivered by world renowned trainers.

Judges can come from a range of disciplines and backgrounds including science, science communication, media and FameLab alumni. Find the judges’ top tips here.

• FameLab 2024 Winner Announcement
• FameLab overview
• FameLab 2023 Winner Announcement
• FameLab 2022 winner announcement
• FameLab 2022 Semi Finalists
• FameLab Talks 2021 Semi Finalists
• Alumni Booklet
• Geologist, Tshiamo Legoale Wins the FameLab South Africa competition: Taking African Science to the World
• Shining the light on quality scientists
• Pop Idols for scientists
• Selecting the FameLab South Africa winners
• Registration now open for SA's 'Pop Idols of Science'